Buying Advice Toro or Honda OHV engine?

[dsloss1]

I'm looking at the new Super Recyclers to replace my 1993 Toro variable-speed recycler. I've talked to one repair tech and two salesmen from different dealers. Which engine should I buy with the Super Recycler, the Toro or the Honda? Both are overhead valves, the Toro has 3 rings on the piston compared to the Honda's two, or so I've been told, and I'm cutting a 5000 square foot lawn. I'm a bit anxious to try the personal pace as I wasn't real happy when I tried them when they first came out, but hear they're much improved now. Lawn is somewhat rolling but nothing seriously steep.
If you're into model numbers, it's 20381 or 20382. Same body and tranny, only different engines. Thanks for your help!

 

[Grass ala Mowed]

Can't speak to the engine, but the personal pace is awesome. I asked my gf to try it and wasn't sure she was going to give it back. It's extremely smooth. Years ago three rings were important; with today's materials and tolerances I'm not sure that's a deal maker or deal breaker.

 

[dsloss1]

... the personal pace is awesome. I asked my gf to try it and wasn't sure she was going to give it back. It's extremely smooth.

Ok, that relieves my mind on the personal pace anxiety. Thanks. Does Kohler=Toro on the engines?

 

[Rivets]

Stay away (a long way) from the Honda & kohler engines. If you can find a unit with a B & S engine hat would be the best way to go. Lots on engine changes with the 2012 models. Try to find a model that has a serial # starting with 311. If you do you will have a keeper for a long time. Good luck!

 

[earthworm]

Things change.
I thought that the Honda engines were suburb, but that was from years ago.
Now, as to the personal pace - I have a Lawn Boy with this - its great plus !
Honda engines may be Chinese now, so lets be open minded.

 

[dsloss1]

Well, I bought the Toro with the Toro overhead valve engine and the Personal Pace. I've used it 5 times now and am very pleased. According to the techs, the Toro engine is by Toro and has been around for several years with an excellent service record. They were aware of some of the changes in the Honda engine for this year but did not have any service issues yet. The Toro overhead valve engine is quieter than my old Toro, which I think had a B&S engine, and uses less fuel. The Personal Pace took one session to get used to and it's been smooth sailing since. It will creep if you want to edge or go around an obstacle and fly if you want to stride long and fast. I see this particular model was just rated second for self-propelled mowers in Consumer Reports, right after the Honda. Guess we'll have to see about the issues with them down the road.
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it!

 

[earthworm]

Well, I bought the Toro with the Toro overhead valve engine and the Personal Pace. I've used it 5 times now and am very pleased. According to the techs, the Toro engine is by Toro and has been around for several years with an excellent service record. They were aware of some of the changes in the Honda engine for this year but did not have any service issues yet. The Toro overhead valve engine is quieter than my old Toro, which I think had a B&S engine, and uses less fuel. The Personal Pace took one session to get used to and it's been smooth sailing since. It will creep if you want to edge or go around an obstacle and fly if you want to stride long and fast. I see this particular model was just rated second for self-propelled mowers in Consumer Reports, right after the Honda. Guess we'll have to see about the issues with them down the road.
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it!

Several years ago, I tried a Honda (great automobile, IMO) and found it lacking and worse. I had to return it...
The Personal Pace is the way to go !
Does Honda pay for CU and have they improved a great deal so quickly ?
Now I am looking for something better.
The 30" Toro looks good.

 

[stygz]

Well, I bought the Toro with the Toro overhead valve engine and the Personal Pace. I've used it 5 times now and am very pleased. According to the techs, the Toro engine is by Toro and has been around for several years with an excellent service record. They were aware of some of the changes in the Honda engine for this year but did not have any service issues yet. The Toro overhead valve engine is quieter than my old Toro, which I think had a B&S engine, and uses less fuel. The Personal Pace took one session to get used to and it's been smooth sailing since. It will creep if you want to edge or go around an obstacle and fly if you want to stride long and fast. I see this particular model was just rated second for self-propelled mowers in Consumer Reports, right after the Honda. Guess we'll have to see about the issues with them down the road.
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it!

Funny you mention the Honda and cunsumer reports. I looked over that artical and the Honda beat it out by one point (82vs83 score). The Toro matched excellent in every catagory as the Honda except the Honda got a very good for side discharge while the Toro (20381) got an excellent. So how did the Honda beat the Toro? By the way the mower you bought is about $50 more with the Honda engine.

Anyway I am currently looking to buy a new mower. I have a Lawn Boy platinum with personal pace and B&S motor. I am looking at Honda and Toro. I like the personal pace alot. I also like the power the Honda HRX has (8.4 torque rating) but am hesitant on giving up my personal pace. The Honda hydrostatic tranny is appealing but I am not sure about the traditonal lever for drive engagment.

Good to hear about the Toro engine. It is hard to find any info about it. How do you like the design of installing and removing the mulch plug? Too bad Toro does not use the same system for mulch plug lever as the new Recycler series.

Why is Toro going away from Honda engines? Is Honda motors made in china now?

 

[earthworm]

One thing about Honda - if they do design something poorly, and they all do, sooner or later, they will rather quickly make an improvement. But, I'd still rank the Toro over a Honda - maybe its a nationalism thing - or maybe Toro has learned a few things.
The Personal Pace is indeed excellent.
As to the "Toro" engine, I was not aware that this company was large enough to manufacture their own engines.
It could be a relabeled B&S, which may now be an excellent engine.
We shall see.

 

[stygz]

It seems that Toro must have make their own engine. After all the searching I cannot find anything that eludes to who actually makes the engine other than Toro. I have nothing against either brand. Actually I like Toro alittle more as I am from the midwest and been very satisfied with PP.

I like the Honda cuts down to 3/4" (Toro is 1.25") as I have Bermuda grass. In the Spring I scalp the grass to 1" and then maintain a 1.5" cut.

Is the Toro engine as quiet as the 160cc Honda engine? I remember the 160cc Honda engine being very quiet compared to a B&S